CN105492330B - Necked beverage can with crimped end - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage can for carbonated soft drinks, beer and other pressurized uses includes a drawn and ironed can body, a highly necked portion, and a relatively small end attached to the can body by a double seam.

Description

Necked beverage can with crimped end

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of US Patent Application Serial No. 61/787,191 filed March 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

technical field

The present invention relates to containers, and more particularly, to drawn and ironed beverage containers.

Background technique

Two-piece aluminum beverage cans are mass-produced to hold carbonated soft drinks and beer. These cans comprise a can body to which can ends are attached by seams. Commercial two-piece beverage cans are formed by the well-known drawing andironing process (also known as the thin-wall drawing or DWI process), which first draws an aluminum billet into a cup, and The walls of the cup are then ironed to form the body of the can in a machine called a can maker.

The industry convention for can sizes is to use three digits for inch and one-sixteenth inch quantities. Thus, the 211 tank has a nominal diameter of 2 11/16 inches. As understood in the art, and as employed throughout this disclosure, nominal beverage can end dimensions do not represent precise measurements of the outside of the seam. In contrast, nominal sizes are industry standards that no longer correspond to exact diameters, as the beverage industry transitioned to a seam sealing technique commonly referred to as "micro-seaming". In this regard, nominal size generally refers to the diameter on the outside of the seam plus the reduction in diameter corresponding to the change from the old double seam to the modern micro seam.

The most popular beverage can sizes are 12oz in the US and 330ml in Europe. A 12 ounce beverage can has a body diameter of 211, ends typically sized at 202 to 206, and a height of 4.8 inches. The 330ml cans usually have ends like those in the US and usually have a height of 114mm. Thinner taller beverage cans are also commercially available. For a European capacity of 250ml or 330ml, a can known as a sleek can typically has a body of 206.5mm and a height of 114mm or 145mm. Cans known as slim cans typically have a diameter of 53.3mm or 202mm and a height of 88mm, 111mm or 134mm for a 150ml, 200ml or 250ml can. Traditional beverage cans typically have 202 to 206 sized ends, slim cans typically have 202 end sizes, and slim cans typically have 200 end sizes.

The end dimensions of the above-mentioned cans are smaller than the diameter of the can body because the can body undergoes a necking operation in which the diameter of the open end is reduced in several stages. For example, the necking operation can reduce the can body diameter from the 211 dimension to a diameter that can be seamed with the 206, 204 or 202 ends. After necking, the can end is attached to the can body in a known crimping process. Additionally, the can end may be of the full aperture type, where a tab is coupled to a removable plate, and may be of the stay-tab type, where it is secured to a non-removable center The tab's tab is actuated to break the score to form a hinged tear panel.

US Patent No. 8,109,406 discloses an end on a tapered can neck. In a first embodiment, the tab includes an elongated body to which the rivet is attached, a heel at one end of the tab body, and a nose at the opposite end of the body. The rivet is offset from the centerline of the end opposite the tear panel forming the opening. In other words, in prior art ends, the center of the end is between the rivet and the tear plate. To open it, the user pivots the end over the seam of the can so that the root cantilevered in the space. In other embodiments in the 8,109,406 patent, a user grasps one end of an unconventional pull tab to bend the tab at a hinge until a portion of the tab stands erect. In the second step of pulling the tab straight up to apply a downward force through the piercing nose, the score is opened. The embodiments of the 8,109,406 patent disclose can body sidewall diameters that are about 105% to about 115% larger than the end diameters, based on roughly scaled dimensions in the drawings.

In addition to conventional metal beverage cans, beverages, especially beer, are commercially supplied in thinned and stretched metal bottles and in impact squeezed metal bottles. Metal bottles commercially manufactured under the trade name Alumitek ^™ have a thinned stretched 211 body and a neck that tapers to a threaded metal roll-on pilfer-proof (ROPP) 38 mm (1.5 inch) closure department. US Design Patents D639,164; D638,708; and D622,145 illustrate the shape of the bottle, threaded neck and closure.

Commercial metal bottles are also formed by an impact extrusion process in which a blank of aluminum or aluminum alloy is placed in a cylindrical die and punched with a punch under high pressure. The metal of the blank then flows upward to form a thin-walled open-ended container, usually with a bead for prying off the lid. US Patent No. 5,572,893 discloses an impact squeeze bottle with threads. Thinned stretch cans typically have significantly thinner walls than impact squeeze cans.

Contents of the invention

The present invention incorporates features from metal bottles and thinned stretch metal cans used to hold carbonated soft drinks, beer, and similar beverages subjecting the cans to internal pressures greater than 65 psi, typically estimated to be greater than 85 psi. The containers described herein have an appearance and drinking experience similar to metal bottles, while being manufactured at a speed and system economics similar to or better than conventional beverage cans.

Containers having the construction described herein have advantages in metal content per unit volume compared to metal bottles and conventional 211 cans. In this regard, the inventively constructed container uses only about 50% of the metal required to produce a thinned stretch metal bottle, and about 25% of the metal required to produce an impact squeeze metal bottle. For example, a 33cl bottle made by impact extrusion weighs about 50g, a thinned stretched metal bottle weighs about 25g, while the 33cl container described herein weighs only about 11.5g. In addition, the overall weight and material utilization is also significantly better than conventional 211 thinned stretch beverage cans (eg, conventional 12 ounce cans) of the same capacity and performance standards. One factor in metal utilization is the cost of metal, which also supports the construction described herein, because much of the metal savings is in the can ends, which are typically formed from alloys that are more expensive than the can body. In general, improvements in metal reduction and metal utilization are due to shorter tapered necks (e.g., reflected in neck angles), smaller ends, and shorter necks than metal bottles and conventional metal beverage cans. Small seam diameter.

Furthermore, the container bodies described herein can be produced at commercial line speeds by thinning and stretching and then necking by using conventional DWI and necking equipment. Thus, the speed at which the containers described herein can be produced is significantly higher than the production rate of metal bottle cans. And because the containers described herein can be employed as opposed to a conventional double seaming process that requires a thread forming operation and a ROPP closure application operation, the line speed at the filler is greater than for bottles.

A beverage can according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a thinned, stretched metal beverage can body comprising a base, a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from the base, and a tapered neck extending upwardly from the sidewall; the base Consists of a standing ring and a dome-shaped projection within the standing ring; an end portion that is crimped with the upper end of the neck, the end portion including a center panel within the seam and a sealed pour formed in the center panel hole. The sealed pour hole is adapted to be opened by the consumer without tools. The can body has a diameter that is between 40% and 100% larger than the diameter of the crimped end. The ratio between the diameter of the can body measured in inches and the average can wall thickness measured in ten-thousandths of an inch may be less than about 25.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the beverage can comprises: a thinned and stretched metal beverage can body comprising a base, a cylindrical side wall extending upwardly from the base, and a tapered neck extending upwardly from the side wall; The base includes a standing ring and a dome-shaped projection within the standing ring; an end portion that is crimped with the upper end of the neck, the end portion including a center panel within the seam and a sealed seal formed in the center panel A pour hole, the sealed pour hole adapted to be opened by a consumer without tools; wherein the diameter of the can body measured in inches is between the average can wall thickness measured in ten-thousandths of an inch The ratio is less than about 25. The can body may have a diameter that is between 40% and 100% larger than the diameter of the crimped end.

For any of the can embodiments, the sealed pour hole is a score formed in the center plate, and the end further includes a tab coupled to the center plate by a rivet. The can end may be a full bore type can end. And while the tab is fully seated within the seam, the score of the center panel defining the pour opening can be opened when the tab is lifted. The can body diameter can be between 40% and 80% larger than the diameter of the crimped end, more preferably between 45% and 60% larger than the diameter of the crimped end, and even more preferably The diameter of the tip is between 48% and 55% larger.

The neck of the can can be substantially straight in cross-section between (i) the transition between the neck and the side wall of the can body and (ii) the transition between the neck and the seam. Or the neck can comprise a curved portion in section between the transition between the neck and the side wall of the tank and the transition between the neck and the seam so that the tangent at any point on the curve is not inclined more than 45 degrees. And the neck can be formed by bumps in several steps. Regardless of the configuration of the neck, the neck can be inclined from vertical at an angle greater than 15 degrees, or between about 15 degrees and about 45 degrees, at about 20 degrees and about 35 degrees, or between about 25 degrees and about 35 degrees. The neck and can body are configured such that the outer diameter of the seam is smaller than the inner diameter of the base, thereby enabling the base of a first can to be stacked onto the end of a second can. The outer diameter of the seam can be about the same as or greater than the inner diameter of the base such that the end of the first beverage can is stackable to the base of the second beverage can with an interference fit. And the base can have a reforming groove in the interior into which the end fits.

The average wall thickness of the neck is thicker than the average wall thickness of the cylindrical side walls. Specifically, the average wall thickness of the neck can be between about 0.001 inches and about 0.0035 inches thicker, or between about 0.0015 inches and about 0.0025 inches thicker, or about 0.002 inches thicker than the average wall thickness of the cylindrical side walls . Furthermore, where the metal is aluminum, such as a 3000 series alloy, the ratio of the thickness of the tank wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch to the diameter of the tank body measured in inches is less than about 25, preferably between 12 and 40 between 16 and 32, between 19 and 28, between 20 and 26, and in the embodiment shown in the drawings, between 22 and 24. When the metal is steel, the ratio of the thickness of the tank wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch to the diameter of the tank body measured in inches is less than about 16, preferably between 7 and 25, between 10 and 20 between 11.5 and 18, or between 12.5 and 17.

In general, cans should be conventionally sized, such as having a diameter between 2.0 inches and 3.0 inches or between about 2.125 inches and about 2.75 inches, and cans should have diameters between 0.003 inches and 0.005 inches. average sidewall thickness.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a beverage can including a can body illustrating one embodiment of the present invention and an exemplary end secured to the can body. The exemplary end is a full bore beverage end with its tab in its rest position. The end is secured to a highly necked beverage can.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the beverage can of Figure 1 illustrating the removable plate of the full bore end of the beverage can removed.

Figure 3 is a side view of a 25cl tank according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a side view of a 33cl tank according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a side view of a 50cl tank according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a beverage can illustrating a sharp transition according to an aspect of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a side view of a beverage can illustrating a curved transition according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tank of FIG. 6 .

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a first canister stacked onto a second canister.

detailed description

The present invention encompasses containers or cans suitable for use with carbonated beverages and can assemblies employing these cans. Ends that are seamed to the can body include removable orifice plates such as those known as "full bore ends" and ends that have hinged plates employing in-dwelling tabs. Co-pending patent application 61/708,308, entitled "Beverage Can Ends Suitable For Small Diameters," describes ends that may be used with the cans described herein.

Referring generally to the drawings, a beverage can assembly 10 includes a can body 12 and a can end 14 coupled at a seam 16, which is preferably a conventional double seam common to beverage cans. Reference numeral 14 generally indicates a seamed-on beverage can end. Figure 1 illustrates the tank 10 in its assembled state. Figure 2 illustrates the end of the full bore type in its fully open state in which the removable portion of the center plate 56 defined by the score has been separated from the rest of the end 14 and removed from the end. The remainder of 14 is removed.

The present invention is not limited to a particular can size, can material, end material or end size, except where expressly stated in the claims. Thus, for purposes of illustrating aspects of the invention, the 211 (66mm) size tank shown in the drawings is highly necked, as will be understood by those skilled in the art of tank manufacturing, the necking being possible by conventional Necking machinery and techniques to perform. Preferably, can body 12 is a one-piece thinned and drawn beverage can body formed from an aluminum alloy such as a 3000 series alloy. Alternatively, tank body 12 may be fabricated from conventional steel encompassing steels of any reduction (ie, SR or DR), tempering, and plating parameters. Unless otherwise specified, the description of can body 12 applies equally to aluminum and steel components, as will be understood by those familiar with the art of thinned stretched can bodies.

Can body 12 includes base 20 , body sidewall 36 and neck 40 . The base 20 includes an outer base wall 22 that extends down to a standing ring 24 that is rounded in cross-section, as best shown in FIGS. 6-8 . Base inner wall 26 extends upwardly from standing ring 24 . Optionally, inner wall 26 includes grooves formed by reforming the substrate according to known substrate reforming procedures. A central dome-shaped dome 30 extends between the upper ends of the inner base wall 26 .

A body side wall 36 extends from a shoulder or transition 34 at the lowest point of the side wall. The transition portion 34 extends between the side wall 36 and the base outer wall 22 . The body side wall 36 is preferably cylindrical and has an average wall thickness for aluminum can bodies of between 0.003 inches and 0.005 inches, more preferably between 0.0034 inches and 0.0043 inches. For steel tank bodies, the thickness of the body sidewall is preferably between 0.0020 and 0.0028, and more preferably between 0.0023 and 0.0025.

The thickness of the sidewall 36 will preferably be substantially uniform within normal manufacturing tolerances for wall ironing (eg, within 15% of the mean), although other configurations are also contemplated. Can sidewall 26 preferably has a diameter that is uniform and between about 2.0 inches and about 3.0 inches, and preferably between about 2.125 inches and about 2.75 inches, and preferably 211 size.

A transition portion 38 extends from an upper portion of the side wall 36 . Figure 6 illustrates a sharp transition labeled transition 38a. Figure 7 illustrates a curved transition labeled transition 38b. Lettered appendages identify various embodiments, while reference numerals without letter appendages generally identify parts to encompass all embodiments.

Neck 40 includes a lower portion 42 , a middle portion 44 , an upper portion 46 and a stub portion 48 . Preferably, the portions 42, 44 and 46 are straight in cross-section, as shown for example in Fig. 6, so that the neck 40 has a smooth taper. The stake portion 48 encompasses any height, and preferably, the stake portion 48 is less than 0.375 inches in height, and more preferably about 0.125 inches, since the purpose of the stake portion 48 is to provide room for a roller during the seaming operation. Neck 40 is formed by a conventional necking operation and encompasses both smooth and stepped shapes. The invention is not limited to a straight neck portion or a stepped neck portion, but rather covers any structure, including curved or a combination of curved and straight sections, and including additional structures such as ribs or shoulders.

Preferably, the neck 40 is inclined from vertical at an angle A (as shown in FIG. 6 ) of at least 15 degrees, preferably between about 15 degrees and about 45 degrees, and more preferably at about 20 degrees. degrees and about 35 degrees, and even more preferably at an angle between about 25 degrees and about 35 degrees. For a neck that is substantially straight in cross-section, the angle of inclination of the neck can be measured along the length of the neck 40 excluding the pile portion. For necks that include bends or steps or protrusions, as those familiar with beverage can necking art will appreciate, the angle of inclination of the neck can be between the bottom of the neck near the neck and the side wall of the can. Measure point-to-point between the point of the transition and the point at the top of the neck near the transition between the neck and the pile. For necks having a shape other than straight in cross-section, the neck may be configured such that the tangent at any point on the bend or shoulder does not slope more than 45 degrees.

The neck height can be calculated from the can body and end diameters and the neck angle. For example, a 211 can body to a 200 can end is reduced by approximately 0.034 inches (radius), which yields a height of 1.28 inches for a neck angle A of 15 degrees and a height of 0.49 inches for a neck wall angle A of 35 degrees.

Preferably, the neck 40 has an average wall thickness that is thicker than the average wall thickness of the cylindrical side walls 36, for example having a neck average wall thickness that is thicker than the average side wall thickness of the cylindrical side walls. The wall thickness is between about 0.001 inches and about 0.0035 inches, more preferably between about 0.0015 inches and about 0.0025 inches, and in a preferred embodiment, about 0.002 inches. Increased neck thickness and neck angle A in the preferred ranges enhance the strength of the can 10 and the ability of the neck to withstand the necking process, eg, prevent collapse or wrinkling.

Container 10 may be represented by numerical ratios consistent with the advantages described herein. For example, can body 12 may have a diameter (i.e., at side wall 36) that is, depending on the particular embodiment, between 40% and 90% greater than the diameter of the crimped end, more preferably Between 40% and 80% larger, more preferably between 45% and 60% larger, and even more preferably between 48% and 55% larger than the diameter of the end of the crimp.

In another representation of the container 10 in which the can is formed from a conventional aluminum alloy, such as a 3000 series alloy, the wall thickness of the can side wall 36 measured in ten-thousandths of an inch (0.0001 inches) is the same as in inches. The ratio of tank diameters per unit measure is less than about 25, preferably between 12 and 40, more preferably between 16 and 32, between 19 and 28, between 20 and 26, and preferably between 22 and 24. For tanks formed from conventional steel alloys, the ratio of the wall thickness of the tank side wall 36 measured in ten-thousandths of an inch (0.0001 inch) to the tank body diameter measured in inches is less than about 16, preferably about Between 7 and 25, more preferably between about 10 and 20, between about 11.5 and 18, and preferably between about 12.5 and 17. The can body thickness for the above ratios may be measured at or near the top of the cylindrical side wall 36 just below the shoulder. The inventors believe that due to different product requirements, metal bottles and aerosol cans have a high material thickness relative to their diameter such that their ratio is greater than the above range.

Can 10 can be configured such that the outer diameter of seam 16 is approximately equal to or greater than the inner diameter of upstanding ring 24 or inner wall 26 so that the end of a first beverage can can be inserted or stacked to a second beverage can with a loose or slip fit. in the base of the tank. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the standing ring and the outer diameter of the seam may be configured for an interference fit (ie, wherein the outer diameter of the seam 16 is equal to or greater than the inner smallest diameter of the inner wall 26 or standing ring 24 ). In the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9, the inner wall 26 includes undercuts or grooves formed by modification.

The can 12 may have a neck 40 such that the seam 16 formed by joining the can and the end preferably has a diameter of less than the 211 dimension, and thus the end 14 has a less than 211 dimension. For example, a 211 can (or other can diameter, such as a 58mm can) can be necked to correspond to any end size 200 or smaller, for example, in the common End dimensions of 112 (44mm) or 108 (38mm) as described in pending patent 61/708308. Even though the ends disclosed herein are not limited to any material or any diameter or material, they are particularly advantageous for smaller end sizes and/or cans with considerable necking, making 200 diameter ends preferred part or smaller. The tip 14 may be conventionally formed from a 5000 series aluminum alloy, although the smaller tip dimensions may allow other materials to be used, such as a tip formed from a 3000 series alloy.

In its unsealed state (not shown in the drawings), can end 14 includes a peripheral curl which, when seamed, forms a seam 16 with a portion of can body 12 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the end portion 14 includes a wall 52 extending inwardly from the seam 16 . End 14 may also include an annular bead 54 extending inwardly from wall 52 . A center plate 56 extends inwardly from the rib 54 . Alternatively, the center panel 56 may extend inwardly from the wall 52 . The ends may also have panel walls between the stiffener and the center panel, for example forming a bend or chamfer. Reference numeral 56 is used to denote the end center panel embodiment regardless of size, configuration and type (ie, removable panel or indwelling tab, etc.). Modern lightweight end housings such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Lightweight end sections (such as those known as B64 ends) have a rib diameter and a smaller center plate diameter relative to the seam diameter. The cans disclosed herein may be used with modern lightweight end casings (including other modern lightweight ends not mentioned above) or older end casings such as b64 ends.

Figures 3, 4 and 5 illustrate containers 110a, 110b and 110c having capacities of 25 cl, 33 cl and 50 cl respectively. The container 110a has a body size of 52mm, an end diameter of 34mm and a height of 135mm. The container 110b has a body diameter of 58mm, an end diameter of 38mm and a height of 150mm. The container 110c has a body diameter of 65mm, an end diameter of 42mm and a height of 175mm. Other preferred dimensions are also contemplated. For example, a container with a capacity of 75 cl may have a body diameter of 73 mm and an end diameter of 48 mm. A container with a capacity of 100 cl may have a body diameter of 82 mm and an end diameter of 52 mm. The height of the 75 cl container and the 100 cl container can be selected based on parameters understood by those familiar with can and metal bottle art taking into account the disclosure herein.

The can bodies described herein are formed by conventional can making techniques. Can body 12 is formed by a conventional thinning and drawing process, followed by a conventional die necking process for forming neck 40 . After the can body has undergone the trimming and flanging process, it is ready to be coupled to the ends in a double seaming process. The process described above is well known to those familiar with the art of can making and seaming. The substrate is preferably a conventional dome-shaped substrate.

Accordingly, can bodies 12 can be manufactured on high speed can making machines, for example at speeds in excess of 750 cans per minute, or in excess of 1000 cans per minute, as opposed to the significantly slower manufacture of metal bottles. Furthermore, the configuration of can 10 is suitable for high speed filling and seaming at speeds in excess of 1000 cans per minute because the diameter of the body is large enough to be filled without slowing down a conventional filling machine. And the can body 10, although made of thin material, is strong enough to withstand axial loads from the filling and seaming machines. For example, a can 10 with a thin wall of only 34t and a neck thickness of 54t has an axial strength of at least 400N.

The invention has been described using examples of construction and techniques for manufacture and has been defined using sets of features in the Summary which are not intended to be limiting unless specified in the claims as required.

Claims (41)

1. A beverage can, comprising: A thinned, stretched metal beverage can body comprising a base, a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from the base, and a tapered neck extending upwardly from the sidewall; the base including a standing ring and a dome-shaped protrusions within the standing ring; and an end portion crimped with the upper end of the neck, the end portion comprising a center panel within the seam and a sealed pour hole formed in the center panel, the sealed pour hole adapted to be opened by the consumer without tools; The can body has a diameter at the cylindrical sidewall that is between 40% and 100% greater than a diameter of the seam at the seam of the seamed end. 2. A beverage can, comprising: A thinned, stretched metal beverage can body comprising a base, a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from the base, and a tapered neck extending upwardly from the sidewall; the base including a standing ring and a dome-shaped protrusions within the standing ring; and an end portion crimped with the upper end of the neck, the end portion comprising a center panel within the seam and a sealed pour hole formed in the center panel, the sealed pour hole adapted to be opened by the consumer without tools; wherein the ratio of the average can sidewall thickness measured in ten-thousandths of an inch to the diameter of the can body at the cylindrical sidewall measured in inches is less than 25. 3. The beverage can of claim 1 wherein the difference between the average can side wall thickness measured in ten-thousandths of an inch and the can body diameter at the cylindrical side wall measured in inches The ratio between is less than 25. 4. The beverage can of claim 2, wherein the can body has a diameter that is between 40% and 100% larger than the diameter of the seamed end. 5. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealed pouring aperture is a score formed in the center panel and the end portion further includes a to the pull ring of the center plate. 6. A beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the can body diameter is between 40% and 80% larger than the diameter of the seamed end. 7. A beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the can body diameter is between 45% and 60% larger than the diameter of the seamed end. 8. A beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the can body diameter is between 48% and 55% larger than the diameter of the seamed end. 9. A beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the neck is inclined at an angle greater than 15 degrees from vertical. 10. A beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the neck is inclined from vertical at an angle of between 15 and 45 degrees. 11. The beverage can of claim 10, wherein the neck is at the transition between the neck and the side wall of the can body and between the neck and the seam The cross-section between the transitions is substantially straight. 12. The beverage can of claim 10, wherein the neck is at the transition between the neck and the side wall of the can body and between the neck and the seam The curves are included in the section between the transitions and the tangents at any point on the curve are not inclined more than 45 degrees. 13. The beverage can of claim 10, wherein the neck is formed by impacting in several steps. 14. A beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the neck is inclined from vertical at an angle of between 20 and 35 degrees. 15. A beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the neck is inclined from vertical at an angle of between 25 and 35 degrees. 16. The beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the average wall thickness of the neck is thicker than the average wall thickness of the cylindrical side wall. 17. The beverage can of claim 16, wherein the neck has an average wall thickness that is between 0.001 inches and 0.0035 inches thicker than the average wall thickness of the cylindrical sidewall. 18. The beverage can of claim 16, wherein the neck has an average wall thickness that is between 0.0015 inches and 0.0025 inches thicker than the average wall thickness of the cylindrical sidewall. 19. The beverage can of claim 16, wherein the average wall thickness of the neck is 0.002 inches thicker than the average wall thickness of the cylindrical sidewall. 20. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is aluminum and the thickness of the can wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches The ratio of body diameters is less than 25. 21. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is aluminum and the thickness of the can wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches The ratio of body diameters is between 12 and 40. 22. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is aluminum and the thickness of the can wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches The ratio of body diameters is between 16 and 32. 23. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is aluminum and the can wall thickness measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches The ratio of body diameters is between 19 and 28. 24. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is aluminum and the thickness of the can wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches The ratio of body diameters is between 20 and 26. 25. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is aluminum and the can wall thickness measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches The ratio of body diameters is between 22 and 24. 26. The beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer diameter of the seam is smaller than the inner diameter of the base so that the base of a first can can be stacked to the base of a second can. on the end. 27. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is steel and the thickness of the can wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches The ratio of body diameters is less than 16. 28. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is steel and the can wall thickness measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the can's wall thickness measured in inches. The ratio of body diameters is between 7 and 25. 29. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is steel and the thickness of the can wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches The ratio of body diameters is between 10 and 20. 30. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is steel and the can wall thickness measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the can's wall thickness measured in inches. The ratio of body diameters is between 11.5 and 18. 31. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal is steel and the thickness of the can wall measured in ten-thousandths of an inch is the same as the thickness of the can measured in inches. The ratio of body diameters is between 12.5 and 17. 32. The beverage can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer diameter of the seam is the same as or greater than the inner diameter of the base such that the first beverage can The end is stackable to the base of the second beverage can with an interference fit. 33. The beverage can of claim 32, wherein said base has a modified slot in the interior into which said end fits. 34. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the can body is formed from 3000 series aluminum. 35. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the can body has a diameter of between 2.0 inches and 3.0 inches. 36. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said can body is aluminum and has a diameter between 2.125 inches and 2.75 inches, and said can body has a diameter between 0.003 inch and 0.005 inch average sidewall thickness. 37. The beverage can of claim 36, wherein said average side wall thickness is between 0.0034 inches and 0.0043 inches. 38. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said can body is steel and has a diameter between 2.125 inches and 2.75 inches, and said can body has a diameter between 0.0020 inch and 0.0028 inch average sidewall thickness. 39. The beverage can of claim 38, wherein said average side wall thickness is between 0.0023 inches and 0.0025 inches. 40. The beverage can of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the can end is a full bore can end. 41. The beverage can of claim 5, wherein a score in said center panel defines a pour opening, said score being capable of being lifted while said tab is fully seated within said seam. The pull ring is open.